All systems go for Building and Plumbing Commission

The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) is intended as a single entry point to Victoria’s building system for consumers and for industry, simplifying the system to protect consumers and keep practitioners accountable.

The new regulator brings together the functions of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) and the domestic building insurance arm of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA).

According to the government, new powers will be brought into force later this year to address gaps in the regulatory system:

• The Buyer Protections Bill includes a new power to allow the regulator to act against a builder after the homeowner has moved in, which is when problems are most often discovered.
• Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) will be expanded so a claim can be made against all builders when non-compliant, defective work is identified and the builder refuses to fix it. Previously claims could only be made when the builder become insolvent, died or disappeared.
• Apartment owners will be further protected with the introduction of a developer bond for buildings four storeys and above, ensuring funds are available quickly to rectify non-compliances post occupancy.
• Developers of residential apartment buildings above three storeys will also have to notify the BPC before a building is occupied. This will allow the regulator to determine, using data and intelligence, whether a BPC inspection is necessary before the registered building surveyor (RBS) issues an occupancy permit (OP).

The new powers, which passed parliament in June, require new regulations before they can be implemented. The government says these will be developed through close consultation with consumer groups and industry in the second half of this year.

Anna Cronin will lead the BPC as Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer.

“The establishment of the BPC is just the beginning of a new chapter but it’s a huge step forward,” says Cronin.

“We at the BPC will be working hard every single day to help restore confidence, protect consumers and educate and support practitioners.”

More information can be found at www.bpc.vic.gov.au

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